Our individual metabolic phenotype is the result of the interaction between nutrients and DNA to modify gene expression. This is a combination of epigenetic interactions whereby nutrients modify the structure of DNA to affect gene expression as well as individual genetic variation that alters our response to diet. Our metabolic phenotype is influenced by developmental plasticity, imprinting in early life and interactions with environmental factors over time. Unlike the human genome which is relatively fixed and stable throughout the body, the human metabolic phenotype is far more complex and dynamic, varying over time and among cells and varying greatly from person to person. Dietary recommendations are often generalized and intended to avert chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In a climate where we are striving for personalisation of healthcare maybe we need a simpler approach; one that embraces genetic variation yet focuses on the optimum nutritional benefit of dietary components.
KeywordsNutrigenomicsIndividualised HealthcareGenome Led Dietary AdviceEpigenetics
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